A little more information would be helpful. What amplifier are you currently running? What do you dislike most about the sound you currently have? |
You're right, this would be a difficult one to answer, as you already have excellent pieces in both places. I will stick just to the items and brands you mention; it's obvious that you like the sound of your system right now (expect the Wilson-bashers to suggest some other speakers!). The safest bet, assuming you could stand their looks and have a room that can handle the extra bass, would be to change the speakers. From my hearing them and others' posts here, the Maxx 2 is a significant upgrade over the WP7; and while I think the preamp upgrade is likely to be an even bigger improvement, you risk upsetting your system's synergy with the difference in "sound" between the two preamps more than you would changing the speakers, which have a similar "house sound". I will say that you would certainly hear the difference in preamps through the WP7s, but the difference may turn you to changing other components in the chain. If you really have the bug, borrow the preamp from your dealer and hear it in your system for a few days; if you don't miss the tubes in the preamp then you should go for the new preamp. Just my opinion, how I would go about it. |
I'd go with the speakers. I'm using the MAXX-2's with a VTL 5.5, which may be a step below your ARC and the sound is fantastic. I passed on the WATT/Puppys because, when I compared the two, the WATT's seemed a little bright, the height of the soundstage was limited, and they did not play loud. The MAXX's, to my ears, are much more natural sounding. I'm sure your ARC is up to the MAXX's and will yield a much bigger improvement over upgrading the pre.
Good luck! |
This has to be a no brainer, are you kidding me? ANYONE who remotely thinks that the preamp upgrade is in the same league with the speaker upgrade is smoking something. The Boulder preamp may be twice as good (heck 10 times as good) as the ARC, but 10 times better than something that is already down in the weeds, so to speak, isn't going to buy you much.
The speakers may be only 50% better, but that's where the rubber meets the road. A 50% speaker improvement is HUGE and will make you forget a preamp upgrade. At the very least, if and when you do try another preamp, you will know the utility of the change in your final system configuration.
It's ALL about the speakers! Don't think so? Try a set of headphones (good ones) and see how great your system sounds. I went from Dynaudio Confidence to Evidence Temptation and the change was UNBELIEVABLE. Waste your money on the preamp if you must, but changing out your speakers is the ultimater easy choice. |
I agree with the current consensus. The Maxx will carve out a bigger more lifelike soundstage with deeper bass.
I think the Boulder preamps are quite good but you can find other reference preamplifiers which offer amazing performance and are much less expensive.
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Beneficial change? You got to be kidding! Ditto Bigbucks5. Get out your wallet. |
Speakers of course.
How will this affect matrimonial harmony? |
might have guessed that. although they say the heart of the system is in the preamp. The ARC preamp was always good in my opinion but now I felt it was out classed by the speakers and the amp. I appreciate the suggestions, I will ponder it some more. The goal was for a bigger soundstage/more detail the concensus seems that the maxx 2 is that much better than the watt puppy. |
Do you have enough room to play the Maxx?? It's a big speaker.
If so, and you generally like Mr Wilson's products, then here's another rec for the speakers.
As to the pre, it's outclassed imo by the rest of the equip. HOWEVER, most pre's aren't very good anyway; so, spend money where it's likely to make the most difference for the financial outlay. (You can also use a passive transformer based "pre" if you like, as an alternative to actually buying an active one for now... the big Boulder pre is hideously expensive!) |
Dear Rlkern_dallas: I think that you have other one alternative: +++++ " The goal was for a bigger soundstage/more detail ... " +++++
You can get those goals and a " little " more if you add a pair of self powered subwoofers and integrate with your main speakers ( Watt/Puppy7 ) in a true stereo fashion. The
MAXX2 not only can't beat it but can't even either.
Now, you don't have to go for the Boulder preamp and I agree here with Auiooracle : +++++ " you can find other reference preamplifiers which offer amazing performance and are much less expensive. " +++++
In that way you can get both: better speakers and better preamp and this mean: better quality sound reproduction!!! and for less money that what you are thinking to spend right now.
Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul. |
I have placed an order for the speakers. I plan to be impressed and will quit thinking about a preamp for awhile.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts/experiences. |
The biggest improvement I have ever made in my system has been a Supratek Cabernet preamp.A good preamp gives focus.Without this focus changing speakers is pointless.
I think preamps are the most important component in a good system.You need to get the right one for your system though. |
Good luck with them! One thing you should know -- Wilson says they're mostly broken in after a few hours. Don't believe it! You'll need at least 200 hours before they really sing. Don't be disappointed when you first hear them. You will find they open up and offer one of the most "real" musicial experiences short of live that speakers can deliver. Also, they do best with networked cables. I dumped my Nordost and switched to Transparent for a huge improvement. |
What is your current preamplifier, and Loudspeakers that is the question to compare to ? Also very over looked what is the quality
of your cables ? From point A to B if it is not quality the signal will not be delivered properly. Also your front end in a sense is your
most important part of the system in some ways ,for it brings the audio signal to the preamp, if not created accurately the signal cannot be fixed upstream .This is why it is important to have no sizable weaks links in the chain. |
On preamplifiers ,I have found as with many audio buyers.
having owned a Audio store for a decade I have a lot of experience with system synergy. A good solid state amp with a Quality Vacuum tube preamp is a excellent match . A little vacuum tube magic it just creates a larger soundstage
and depth . Leading edge may not be as defined, with vacuum tubes
but sonic realism it brings a lot of . The quality too and type of amplifier all come into play . This is why Audio has so many variables .and can be somewhat costly
at times , even a turn table an upgraded cartridge $3-5k is not even considered
top of the line . The older I get the more I look for value .going from a $100k+ system to a $30k system with some mod- upgrades proves you can get pretty close for a lot less if done right. |
woah, this thread jumped from 2006 to 2019. Wonder what speakers the OP ended up with for the past 13 years, hehehe :) |
